Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants, Along The Avenue Review

Blues

Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants, Along The Avenue Review

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by Seamus Fitzpatrick

Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants’ new album, Along The Avenue, carries the listener on a journey steeped in blues tradition but infused with personal expression, innovation, and rich influences from Harris’ musical background. With roots reaching deep into the Chicago blues scene, Harris pulls from a well of experience, blending blues, rock, jazz, and even funk, to deliver an album that feels familiar but nonetheless distinctly fresh. Released on October 21, 2024, this self-released project reflects Harris’ evolution as an artist, shaped by years of jamming in clubs, studying greats, and finding his voice in a genre known for its simplicity and emotional depth.

The album opens with the title track, “Along the Avenue,” setting the tone with a rock blues flair that immediately grabs attention. Harris’ guitar chops are on full display, offering clean, well-articulated phrasing that speaks to his jazz background while staying true to the blues ethos. The rhythm section, led by Marty Binder’s drums and Dany Gomez’s bass, creates a solid foundation for Harris to build upon, as his vocals, rich with a touch of grit, are supported by soulful harmonies from Andrea Miologos, Bree Gordon, and Steve Kostakes. This track balances classic blues and modern rock, giving listeners a glimpse of Harris’ ability to bridge tradition with his unique sensibilities.

The standout track, “And Left Us Alone,” is an example of the familiar with a fresh mood and expression. Opening with a lyrical guitar solo that drips with warmth and reverb, Harris showcases his ability to make each note sing. His tone, just over the edge of distortion, speaks of longing and reflection. The background vocals accentuate the melody without overpowering it, and Kostakes’ subtle keyboard work adds depth, laying a harmonic bed for Harris to deliver a poignant and heartfelt performance. Harris’s solo is particularly striking, filled with expressive bends and well-placed double stops that speak to his influences from Robben Ford and Gary Moore.

“So Tell Me” is where things get funky, proving Harris isn’t afraid to mix it up. The track grooves with a clean, crisp guitar tone reminiscent of BB King, with a twist of James Brown’s rhythmic sensibility. Set to a traditional 12-bar blues, Harris injects a funky swagger into the classic structure, his vocals weaving in and out of the syncopated rhythm, while Binder and Gomez keep things locked tight. This track exemplifies Harris’ talent for taking familiar patterns and turning them into something uniquely his own.

“Just Another Fool” shifts the energy with a smooth Santana-esque vibe. Harris’ use of sustained, lyrical lines and Kostakes’ keyboard flourishes evoke the mood of “Black Magic Woman,” but with Harris’ personal touch. The interplay between the guitar and keyboard solos is seamless, with both players understanding the importance of space and phrasing, allowing the music to breathe. The result is a track that feels simultaneously introspective and expansive.

“One I Can’t Deny” brings us back to the blues shuffle, which Harris handles with ease and joyfully. The rhythm section, driven by a robust shuffle from Binder and Gomez, keeps the groove moving while Kostakes’ piano fills the spaces around Harris’ vocal lines. Kostakes’ piano playing shines, offering tasteful traditional blues fills that complement Harris’ vocals perfectly. The chemistry between the musicians is palpable, as they ride the groove, creating a track that feels like an invitation to get up and dance.

The album closes with the upbeat “From Heading Out the Door,” a jump blues number that wraps up the journey on a high note. The walking bass line and catchy guitar riff are instantly infectious, making it a fun, energetic closer. Harris’ take on jump blues feels fresh yet familiar, capturing the spirit of classic blues while adding his own flair to the mix.

Throughout Along The Avenue, Harris demonstrates his deep understanding of the blues, both in its traditional form and as a living, breathing art form that can evolve and incorporate new elements. His guitar playing, rooted in the blues but influenced by jazz, rock, and funk, offers something for every listener, while his vocals convey a vulnerability and strength. Supported by a tight band, Harris brings together a collection of songs that are not just blues tunes, but a celebration of his journey through music. That’s the short of it!

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